All Blacks coach Graham Henry says that his entire squad is fit to face the Springboks in next week's Tri-Nations opener with the exception of loose forward Victor Vito.
Vito was forced to sit out of training this week but the medical staff expect that he will likely resume full training next week.
Last season the Springboks title hopes were given a big boost when they started their first three matches at home.
This year the All Blacks won't be as fortunate as the Springboks but do have their first two matches at home.
Henry says that after losing their first two matches last year it would be important for the All Blacks competition chances to open with a victory.
"I think we obviously need to start well if we want to win the Tri -Nations, so it's all ahead of us the next two Saturdays," he told NZPA.
"It's good to start at home rather than playing at altitude in South Africa and that's helpful. "
"But we know it's a big task and we're looking forward to that task."
The All Blacks have not lost at Eden Park in Auckland since 1994 but Henry says that keeping that record was not particularly important leading into the World Cup, where the semis and the final will be at Auckland.
"I don't think it's a great factor. I think we've got to play," he said.
"I don't think we can protect a record, we've got to go out there and play and win by being better than them as a rugby team rather than trying to protect a record."
